Ethnological Treasure

Croatian Post Mostar preserves the material, social and spiritual treasures of the Croatian people through the stamps issues on the theme of ethnological treasures. Every social community has its own customs related to significant moments in life, and one such event is the birth of a child. The motif of the edition "Ethnological treasure 2023" is a cradle, a handmade wooden crib for a small child.

Traditional cradles were usually in the form of a trough or a small chest. The semicircular ends at the bottom of the narrow sides were made so that the cradle could be rocked. They were simply made, and sometimes the surfaces were decorated with carvings. They often had a longitudinal bar over which the curtain could be thrown over to protect the child.

Each new child was welcomed with joy, the birth was celebrated modestly, in the family circle. The mother rested for 40 days after giving birth, and relatives and friends brought “Babine” - gifts for the child. The cradle was specially kept in the family and several generations of children were raised in it.

(Željka Šaravanja)